FCD defeat Sockers in friendly
Win in Midland, Texas, marked first-ever MLS appearance in the Permian Basin
FC Dallas controlled the flow in the first half but was unable to capitalize on numerous scoring opportunities, the closest coming from central midfielder Andre Rocha in the 39th minute. The Brazilian received a pass from Eric Avila in the middle of the field, turned and fired a right-footed shot from 20 yards out. Rocha's bending attempt had goalkeeper Leif Craddock beat, but the ball hit the right post and bounced off of Craddock's left arm. Bruno Guarda was in position to control the rebound, but was ruled offside, and the clubs would go into the locker room scoreless at the break.
FCD made three changes to start the second half, bringing on midfielder Dax McCarty and defenders Drew Moor and Kyle Davies. McCarty made an immediate impact, setting up the team's first goal in the 57th minute. Dribbling to his left inside the penalty area, McCarty cut back to his right and then sent a back-heel pass to Anthony Wallace, who was making a run toward goal. Wallace's left-footed shot from eight yards proved too tough to handle for goalkeeper Austin Stevens, a second-half substitute.
Rocha would add a second Dallas goal three minutes before the final whistle. Eric Avila took the ball to the endline near the right corner flag and sent a cross into the box that drifted away from the goal, drawing Stevens off his line. Rocha jumped over a defender and got his head to the ball to redirect into the net and ensure victory for FCD.
FC Dallas dressed a total of 15 players for tonight's match. Amongst the starters included George John, Steve Purdy and Daniel Torres, a trio of defenders who have missed much of the 2009 season due to injuries. John was able to go the full 90 minutes in central defense, while Purdy and Torres both exited the game at halftime for Moor and Davies, respectively. Eighteen-year-old Josh Lambo, who has served as the backup goalkeeper in 14 of the team's 16 MLS matches, got the start in goal. Although untested for much of the match, Lambo was called upon to make a couple of key stops in each half.
Michael Dello-Russo started on the right side of midfield, but exited the game after a collision late in the first half. He was taken to a nearby hospital for further evaluation.
Tonight's game came a little over a month after FC Dallas defeated the Sockers 3-0 in a June 2 scrimmage played at Pizza Hut Park. FCD will resume regular season MLS play on Saturday, July 11, when the team travels to face the Colorado Rapids at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Saturday's game will be televised live on KFWD-52 at 8:30 p.m. CT.
Scoring Summary:
FCD - Anthony Wallace (Dax McCarty) 57
FCD - Andre Rocha (Eric Avila) 87
FC DALLAS: Josh Lambo, Steve Purdy (Drew Moor 46), George John, Daniel Torres (Kyle Davies 46), Anthony Wallace, Bruno Guarda, Michael Dello-Russo (Dax McCarty 46), Andre Rocha, Eric Avila, Blake Wagner, Brek Shea.
Subs Not Used: Bryant Rueckner*
*League Pool Goalkeeper
